Golf is a wonderful game that can be played a lifetime. Recent studies of golf by leading Associations have determined that the earlier a youth is introduced to the game the more likely that individual will develop an interest in the game. Previously it was believed that a youth's exposure to the game should wait until he or she was mature enough to understand rules and etiquette however it has been discovered that when that time came most children were lost to other activities such as hockey, baseball and soccer. Let the children play golf!

The best area for children or beginners to learn golf is on the driving range and the practice putting green. Development of basic skills, most importantly good hand eye coordination, should be learned before going on to the golf course. Even when you start playing on the course, regular practice should continue to improve these skills. Beginners should play with someone more experienced and beginners should play from a reasonable distance playing each hole starting from the 150 yard marker or the most forward tees. Don't play from where the experienced player is playing from. Be patient when learning the game it takes time, often years. Some people learn faster than others. So enjoy the game as you are learning try not to be frustrated. Patients is a virtue.

Keeping a record of your scores is important in helping you improve and develop as a golfer. Entering all your scores into the Golf Canada Handicap system will help you track your progress in your development. Golf Canada advises that all golfers interested in competition record all their scores in the national handicap system.

As skills develop in youth so do opportunities to participate in local and provincial golf competitions called tournaments. The world of golf can be fun and exciting for both boys and girls to travel and participate in these events. In Alberta there is usually a Junior Open golf tournament at every club which is a good way to start playing competitively. A good way also to start competing is the MacLennan Ross Junior Tour which is more organized and has about 20 events annually. The Maple Leaf Junior Tour is more competitive yet and you often compete with individuals from other countries to earn world ranking points if you place well. Then of course there is the Alberta Golf Associations Junior Championship and Golf Canada's National Junior Championship.

At the elite level of Junior golf there are many possibilities for both girls and boy's. US Colleges are always looking for talented young golfers to play on there golf teams. Not only do you need to be a talented golfer you also need to be an exceptional student. Your grades in school are very important when US Colleges or Canadian Universities are scouting you. For boys the competition for scholarships is intense and fearce as there are many boys competing in golf. For girls the opportunities for scholarships are much easier and girls are highly sought for US College and Canadian University golf teams with full or partial scholarships offered.